quo warranto — quo war·ran·to / kwō wə ran tō, rän / n [Medieval Latin, by what warrant; from the wording of the writ] 1: an extraordinary writ requiring a person or corporation to show by what right or authority a public office or franchise is held or… … Law dictionary
Quo warranto — (Medieval Latin for by what warrant? ) is one of the prerogative writs, that requires the person to whom it is directed to show what authority he has for exercising some right or power (or franchise ) he claims to hold.HistoryQuo Warranto had its … Wikipedia
quo warranto — [kwō′ wə ran′tō, kwō′ wərän′tō] n. pl. quo warrantos [ML, by what warrant < L quo, abl. of qui, who, which + ML warrantus, warrant] 1. Historical a writ ordering a person to show by what right he exercises an office, franchise, or privilege 2 … English World dictionary
quo warranto — from M.L., lit. by what warrant … Etymology dictionary
quo warranto — /kwow waraentow/ In old English practice, a writ in the nature of a writ of right for the king, against him who claimed or usurped any office, franchise, or liberty, to inquire by what authority he supported his claim, in order to determine the… … Black's law dictionary
quo warranto — noun Etymology: Middle English quo waranto, from Medieval Latin quo warranto by what warrant; from the wording of the writ Date: 15th century 1. a. an English writ formerly requiring a person to show by what authority he exercises a public office … New Collegiate Dictionary
quo warranto — /kwoh waw ran toh, wo /, Law. 1. (formerly, in England) a writ calling upon a person to show by what authority he or she claims an office, franchise, or liberty. 2. (in England and the U.S.) a trial, hearing, or other legal proceeding initiated… … Universalium
quo warranto — Literally, by what authority. A high prerogative writ at common law. A writ of inquiry as to the warrant for doing the acts of which complaint is made. The remedy or proceeding by which the sovereign or state determines the legality of a claim… … Ballentine's law dictionary
quo warranto — noun A writ brought before a proper tribunal, to inquire by what warrant a person or a corporation acts, or exercises certain powers … Wiktionary
quo warranto — (Latin) on what authority , document issued by a court of law demanding to know by what right a person exercises the controversial authority; hearing to determine by what authority a person has an office or liberty … English contemporary dictionary
